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Preeclampsia: An update

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 (Acta Anaesth. Belg., 2014, 65, 137-149)
Preeclampsia : an update
G. Lambert (*, **), J. F. Brichant (**), G. Hartstein (**), V. Bonhomme (*, **) and
P. Y. Dewandre (*, **)
Abstract : Preeclampsia was formerly defined as a mul-
tisystemic disorder characterized by new onset of hyper-
tension (i.e. systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg
and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg) and
proteinuria (> 300 mg/24 h) arising after 20 weeks of
gestation in a previously normotensive woman. Recent-
ly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolo-
gists has stated that proteinuria is no longer required for
the diagnosis of preeclampsia. This complication of
pregnancy remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity
and mortality.
Clinical signs appear in the second half of pregnancy, but
initial pathogenic mechanisms arise much earlier. The
cytotrophoblast fails to remodel spiral arteries, leading to
hypoperfusion and ischemia of the placenta. The fetal
consequence is growth restriction. On the maternal side,
the ischemic placenta releases factors that provoke a gen-
eralized maternal endothelial dysfunction. The endothe-
lial dysfunction is in turn responsible for the symptoms
and complications of preeclampsia. These include hyper-
tension, proteinuria, renal impairment, thrombocytope-
nia, epigastric pain, liver dysfunction, hemolysis-elevat-
ed liver enzymes-low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome,
visual disturbances, headache, and seizures. Despite a
better understanding of preeclampsia pathophysiology
and maternal hemodynamic alterations during pre-
eclampsia, the only curative treatment remains placenta
and fetus delivery.
At the time of diagnosis, the initial objective is the
­assessment of disease severity. Severe hypertension
(SBP ≥ 160 mm Hg and/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg), throm-
bocytopenia < 100.000/µL, liver transaminases above
twice the normal values, HELLP syndrome, renal failure,
persistent epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, visual
or neurologic symptoms, and acute pulmonary edema are
all severity criteria. Medical treatment depends on the se-
verity of preeclampsia, and relies on antihypertensive
medications and magnesium sulfate. Medical treatment
does not alter the course of the disease, but aims at
­preventing the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhages
and seizures. The decision of terminating pregnancy and
perform delivery is based on gestational age, maternal
and fetal conditions, and severity of preeclampsia. Deliv-
ery is proposed for patients with preeclampsia without
severe features after 37 weeks of gestation and in case of
severe preeclampsia after 34 weeks of gestation. ­Between
24 and 34 weeks of gestation, conservative management
of severe preeclampsia may be considered in selected
lambert-.indd 137
p­ atients. Antenatal corticosteroids should be adminis-
tered to less than 34 gestation week preeclamptic women
to promote fetal lung maturity. Termination of pregnancy
should be discussed if severe preeclampsia occurs before
24 weeks of gestation. Maternal end organ dysfunction
and non-reassuring tests of fetal well-being are indica-
tions for delivery at any gestational age. Neuraxial anal-
gesia and anesthesia are, in the absence of thrombocyto-
penia, strongly considered as first line anesthetic
techniques in preeclamptic patients. Airway edema and
tracheal intubation-induced elevation in blood pressure
are important issues of general anesthesia in those
­patients. The major adverse outcomes associated with
preeclampsia are related to maternal central nervous
­system hemorrhage, hepatic rupture, and renal failure.
Preeclampsia is also a risk factor for developing cardio-
vascular disease later in life, and therefore mandates
long-term follow-up.
Key words : Hemodynamic ; hypertension ; manage-
ment ; preeclampsia ; pregnancy.
Introduction
Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of ma-
ternal and fetal morbidity and mortality (1, 2). De-
spite a better understanding of its pathophysiology
and some improvements in the ability of monitoring
G. Lambert, M.D. ; J.F. Brichant, Ph.D. ; G. Hartstein, M.D. ;
V. Bonhomme, Ph.D. ; P. Y. Dewandre, M.D.
(*)  University Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care
Medicine, CHR de la Citadelle, Liege, Belgium.
(**)  Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine,
CHU Liege, Belgium.
Correspondence address : Geraldine Lambert, University
­Department of Anesthesia & ICM, CHR de la Citadelle,
4000 Liège. Tel. : +32 42256111.
E-mail : glambert@chu.ulg.ac.be
Funding and support : This review paper is in relation with
the 2012 SARB Grant awarded to the authors by the Society for
Anesthesia and Resuscitation of Belgium.
This work was also supported by the Department of Anes-
thesia & Intensive Care Medicine, CHU Liege, Belgium. The
authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
2/12/14 08:32
 138 g. lambert
the hemodynamic alterations in this population, the
only curative treatment remains fetus and placenta
delivery. Medical treatment aims at avoiding mater-
nal complications such as seizures, hemorrhagic
stroke, renal failure, or pulmonary edema. Adequate
timing of delivery is of paramount importance, as
well as the optimization of obstetric analgesia or an-
esthesia during delivery. Preeclampsia is also a risk
factor for developing cardiovascular diseases later
in life, and an adequate long term follow up is there-
fore advised. This review will focus on recent de-
velopments in the definition of preeclampsia and
severe preeclampsia, pathophysiology of the dis-
ease, recent advances in hemodynamic monitoring,
and progresses in the medical, obstetrical, and
­anesthetic management of those parturient patients.
Nosology
Hypertension during pregnancy is defined as a sys-
tolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or a
diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg and is
classified into four categories : preeclampsia, chron-
ic hypertension, chronic hypertension with super-
imposed preeclampsia, and gestational hyperten-
sion. Hypertension is considered to be mild,
moderate or severe when SBP is ≥ 140, 150 or
160 mmHg or DBP is ≥ 90,100 or 110 mmHg, re-
spectively.
Preeclampsia was usually defined as new-onset hy-
pertension (i.e. SBP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP
≥ 90 mmHg) and proteinuria (> 0.3 g/day) arising
after 20 weeks of gestation in a previously normo-
tensive woman. Elevated BP should be recorded on
et al.
two measurements at least four hours apart. Protein-
uria is defined as the excretion of at least 300 mg of
protein in a 24 hour urine collection. Alternatively,
a urine protein (mg/dL)/creatinine ratio (mg/dL)
≥ 0.3 has good sensitivity (98.2%) and specificity
(98.8%) as a diagnostic tool (3). Conversely, a posi-
tive qualitative dipstick test for proteinuria provides
too variable results to be considered as a reliable
diagnostic tool of proteinuria. It can be used if no
other method is readily available. In that case only,
a 1+ dipstick result is considered as the cut-off for
the diagnosis of proteinuria.
Since recently, in recognition of the syndromic
nature of preeclampsia, proteinuria is no longer
considered as mandatory for the diagnosis of pre-
eclampsia (4, 5). Consequently, in the absence of
proteinuria, preeclampsia can be diagnosed as new-
onset hypertension associated with (Table 1) :
– thrombocytopenia < 100.000/µL,
– elevated liver transaminases ( > twice the normal
values),
– impaired renal function (with serum creatinine
> 1.1 mg/dL or doubling of serum creatinine
­level in the absence of any other renal disease),
– pulmonary edema,
– new-onset visual or cerebral disturbances.
Severe preeclampsia was usually defined as pre-
eclampsia associated with any of the following :
– severe hypertension (i.e. SBP ≥ 160 mmHg and/
or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg),
– thrombocytopenia < 100.000/µL,
– impaired liver function with liver transaminases
higher than twice the normal values,

Table 1
Diagnostic criteria for preeclampsia (4)
Blood pressure • ≥ 140 mmHg systolic or ≥ 90 mmHg diastolic on two occasions at least 4 hours apart after 20 weeks of
gestation in a woman with a previously normal blood pressure.
• ≥ 160 mmHg systolic or ≥ 110 mmHg diastolic can be confirmed within a short interval (minutes) to
facilitate timely antihypertensive therapy.
and
Proteinuria • ≥ 300 mg/24 h urine collection.
or
• Protein/creatinine ratio ≥ 0.3 (each measured as mg/dL).
• Dipstick reading of 1 + (if other methods not available).
Or in the absence of proteinuria, new-onset hypertension with the new onset of any of the following :
Thrombocytopenia • Platelet count < 100 000/µL
Renal insufficiency • Serum creatinine level > 1.1 mg/dL or a doubling of the serum creatinine concentration in the absence of
other renal disease.
Impaired liver function • Elevated blood concentrations of liver transaminases to twice normal concentration.
Pulmonary edema
Cerebral or visual symptoms

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lambert-.indd 138 2/12/14 08:32

 preeclampsia 139
Table 2
Severe features of preeclampsia (any of these findings)[4]
• SBP ≥ 160 mmHg or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg on two occasions at least
4 hours apart while the patient is on bed rest (unless anti­hyper­
tensive therapy is initiated before this time).
• Thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 000/µL)
• Impaired liver function as indicated by abnormally elevated blood
concentrations of liver enzymes (to twice normal concentration),
severe persistent right upper quadrant or epigastric pain unre­spon­
sive to medication and not accounted for by alternative diagnosis,
or both.
• Progressive renal insufficiency (serum creatinine concentration
> 1.1 mg/dL or a doubling of the serum creatinine concentration
in the absence of other renal disease).
• Pulmonary edema.
• New-onset cerebral or visual disturbances.
– severe and persistent right upper quadrant (RUQ)
or epigastric pain not accounted for by any other
diagnosis,
– renal insufficiency defined as serum creatinine
> 1.1 mg/dL or a doubling of serum creatinine in
the absence of other renal disease,
– massive proteinuria > 5 g/day,
– pulmonary edema,
– new-onset cerebral or visual disturbances,
– fetal growth restriction (FGR).
However, recent studies have demonstrated
minimal to no influence of the severity of protein-
uria on pregnancy outcome in preeclampsia ; man-
agement of FGR is similar in pregnant women with
or without preeclampsia (4, 6). Therefore, massive
proteinuria (> 5 g/day), and FGR are no longer cri-
teria of severe preeclampsia (Table 2). Diagnosing
severe preeclampsia is of paramount importance,
insofar as it has a major impact on medical treat-
ment and timing of delivery as compared to pre-
eclampsia without severe features. Recently, and
according to the dynamic character of preeclampsia,
the American College of Obstetricians and Gynae-
cologists (ACOG) has discouraged the diagnosis of
“mild preeclampsia”, and proposed the diagnosis of
“preeclampsia without severe features”.
Gestational hypertension is defined as SBP
≥ 140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg after 20 ges-
tation weeks in the absence of proteinuria, or any of
the aforementioned systemic findings, and resolv-
ing before 12 postpartum weeks.
Chronic hypertension corresponds to hyperten-
sion existing before pregnancy, or appearing before
20 gestation weeks, and persisting more than 12
postpartum weeks.
Superimposed preeclampsia is new-onset protein-
uria appearing after 20 gestation weeks in a previ-
ously hypertensive woman.
lambert-.indd 139
Eclampsia is defined as generalized tonico-clonic
seizure that is not attributable to another cause, and
occurring within the course of preeclampsia. Ec-
lampsia generally spontaneously resolves within
approximately 60 sec, or within less than 3 to 4 min.
Eclampsia has a recurrence rate of about 10% with-
out appropriate treatment.
HELLP is the acronym for Hemolysis, ­Elevated
Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets count. It is a com-
mon complication of severe preeclampsia (10-
20%). Even if HELLP should be suspected when
confronted with clinical signs such as epi­gastric or
RUQ pain, nausea, and vomiting, the ­diagnosis of
HELLP syndrome relies on laboratory findings.
These include microangiopathic hemo­lysis with
schizocytes, increased lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) (twice the normal value), bilirubin > 1.2 mg/
dL, low haptoglobin, liver transaminases > twice
the normal values, and platelet count (PC)
< 100.000/µL (Table 3).
PRES is the acronym for Posterior Reversible En-
cephalopathy Syndrome, and is commonly seen in
patients with eclampsia.
Epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality associ-
ated with preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia complicates 5 to 8% of all preg-
nancies. This represents 8.5 million cases a year
worldwide. This pathology remains one of the three
leading causes of maternal death. The majority of
these maternal deaths are related to cerebral hemor-
rhage that is secondary to poorly controlled hyper-
tension (SBP > 160 mmHg) (1, 2). Renal failure,
pulmonary edema, liver failure or rupture, seizures
(eclampsia), disseminated intravascular coagulation
(DIC), retinal detachment, cortical blindness, ab-
ruptio placentae, and hemorrhage represent other
complications of preeclampsia. All contribute to
preeclampsia-associated maternal morbidity and
mortality. Five percent of severe preeclamptic pa-
Table 3
Diagnosis criteria for HELLP syndrome
Hemolysis •  lactate dehydrogenase > 600 UI/L
•   bilirubin level > 1.2 mg/dL
• schizocytes
Elevated liver transaminases •  twice normal value
•  ASAT > 70 UI/L
Platelet count < 100 000/µL
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
2/12/14 08:32
 140 g. lambert
tients are admitted to an ICU. Finally, preeclampsia
is known to increase the risk of developing a cardio-
vascular disease later in life by a factor of 2.
Regarding the fetus and the neonate, pre-
eclampsia is responsible for 5% of stillbirths in
­infants without congenital abnormalities, accounts
for 8-10% of the overall preterm birth rate, and for
15-20% of the overall FGR and very low birth
weight (VLBW) (7).
Pathophysiology of preeclampsia
a.  Abnormal placental development
As opposed to normal pregnancy, preeclamp-
sia is characterized by an immunologically-initiated
impaired trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries
between 8 and 16 gestation weeks. This abnormal
invasion of placenta nourishing arteries leads to a
failure of their remodeling. Failed remodeling im-
pairs the transformation of small high resistance
muscular arteries into large capacitance vessels.
Consequently, the utero-placental blood flow pro-
gressively fails to meet the needs. Placental isch-
emia ensues, with oxidative stress, inflammation,
apoptosis, and structural damage (8).
b.  Angiogenic imbalance
As a consequence of placental ischemia, sec-
ondary mediators are released. During normal preg-
nancy, placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular
endothelial growth factors (VEGF) are potent pro-
angiogenic substances. They enhance the vasodilat-
ing properties of prostaglandins (PG) and nitrous
oxide (NO), and promote endothelial health. In pre-
eclampsia, several anti-angiogenic factors are pro-
duced. They are responsible for angiogenic imbal-
ance, impaired vasodilation and an endothelial
dysfunction. The soluble fms-like tyrosinekinase
(sFlt-1) antagonises VEGF and PlG. Soluble endog-
lin (sEng) antagonises TGF-β, and blocks NO. This
imbalance between pro and anti-angiogenic factors
produces generalized endothelial dysfunction, mi-
croangiopathy, and vasospasm. These rise to the
various signs and symptoms of this multisystemic
disease, which become clinically evident after 20
gestation weeks (8, 9).
c.  Hemodynamic alterations in preeclampsia
The underlying mechanism of hypertension in
preeclampsia remains somewhat controversial. Dif-
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
lambert-.indd 140
et al.
ferent hemodynamic states have been described in
preeclamptic patients. These range from low cardi-
ac output (CO) with increased systemic vascular
resistance (SVR) to a hyperdynamic state with in-
creased CO associated with an increased stroke vol-
ume and a moderate increase in SVR (10-15). These
different hemodynamic situations might be related
to the early or late onset of preeclampsia, as well as
to its severity (16). Use of cardiac output, and not
only blood pressure, as an endpoint when treating
severe preeclampsia might improve the hemody-
namic management of these patients (17, 18). The
routine use of invasive hemodynamic monitor-
ing (arterial line, pulmonary artery catheter, or de-
vices estimating CO from the invasive arterial pres-
sure waveform such as LiDCO® (LiDCO Group
PLc, London, UK) PiCCO® (Pulsion Medical Sys-
tems, Munich, Germany), or Vigileo® (Edwards
Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA)) is not common
practice for preeclampsia management. Invasive
techniques estimating CO do not have any proven
benefits on maternal outcome, and may be associ-
ated with adverse events (19). Echocardiography
may provide useful information but necessitates a
trained operator, and does not allow continuous
measurement (20). Recent non-invasive techniques
based on pulse wave analysis for continuous assess-
ment of CO and SVR might be associated with a
better hemodynamic management and a better risk/
benefit profile (17, 18, 21). Their impact on overall
outcome needs to be evaluated on a larger scale.
d.  Eclampsia
Eclampsia occurs in 0.5% of preeclamptic pa-
tients without severe features, and in 2-3% of severe
preeclampsia. This corresponds up to 10/10000 de-
liveries in developed countries, and up to 157/10000
deliveries in developing countries (22). Eclamptic
seizures contribute substantially to maternal mor-
bidity and mortality. Several prodromal symptoms
such as severe headache, altered mental status,
blurred vision, and hyperreflexia with clonus may
precede the onset of seizures. However, in 40% of
eclampsia cases, no prodromal signs are present.
Two different pathophysiologic mechanisms may
underlie these neurologic symptoms. Vasospasm
associated with hypertension and cerebrovascular
overregulation might induce localized ischemia and
cytotoxic edema. Alternatively, loss of cerebral au-
toregulation, hyperperfusion, and increased blood
brain barrier (BBB) permeability may induce hy-
pertensive encephalopathy, and vasogenic ede-
ma (23, 24). Reversibility of neurologic signs and
2/12/14 08:32
 preeclampsia 141
radiologic findings is in favor of the latter hypothe-
sis. Radiologic findings have been described as the
posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
(PRES). A recent study has evidenced PRES in al-
most every eclamptic patient. Furthermore, PRES
has been identified in multiple areas of the brain in
a series of cases where severe hypertension was not
a constant feature (25, 26).
Risk factors, prediction and prevention of pre-
eclampsia
Several factors are associated with an in-
creased risk of preeclampsia : antiphospholipid syn-
drome (risk ratio (RR) : 9.72), past history of pre-
eclampsia (RR : 7.19), pregestational diabetes
(RR :3.56), multiple gestation (RR : 2.93), nullipar-
ity (RR : 2.91), family history of preeclampsia
(RR :2.90), body mass index (BMI) > 30 before
pregnancy (RR : 2.47), age ≥ 40 years (RR :1.96),
pre-existing hypertension (RR : 1.5), pre-existing
renal disease, and pregnancy interval > 10 years (27,
28). Use of risk factors as predictive tools for pre-
eclampsia has only modest success. Biomarkers of
preeclampsia and its severity have also been pro-
posed (8, 29). Placental expression and serum levels
of sFlt-1 in preeclamptic women are increased dur-
ing active disease, as compared with normal preg-
nancy. Serum levels of sFlt-1 are directly correlated
with the severity of the disease. PlGF is low during
preeclampsia. This is due to its binding to sFlt-1. A
plasma sFlt-1/PlGF ratio ≥ 85 is associated with ad-
verse outcomes and delivery within two weeks of
presentation (30). The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio could allow
classifying the severity of the disease. Similarly, B-
natriuretic peptide has been suggested as a marker
of preeclampsia. Preeclamptic patients have higher
levels of natriuretic peptide than non preeclamptic
patients. Larger prospective studies are needed to
determine if elevated concentrations predict devel-
opment of preeclampsia and its complications (31).
Up to now, the use of these biomarkers as parts of a
screening test remains investigational.
Women at high risk of preeclampsia should re-
ceive low dose aspirin daily from gestation week 12
to 37. Its prophylactic effect may be the result of the
inhibition of thromboxane production. Studies indi-
cate a small reduction in the incidence and morbid-
ity of preeclampsia, with no difference in bleeding
complication rates. Conversely, neither nutritional
supplements (such as calcium, folic acid, vitamins
C and E, fish oils, or garlic), nor drugs such as pro-
gesterone, nitric oxide donors, diuretics, or low mo-
lambert-.indd 141
lecular weight heparin (LMWH) have shown effi-
cacy at preventing preeclampsia. Restriction of
dietary salt and restriction of physical activity in
addition to bed rest during pregnancy have no effect
on preeclampsia prevention (4). Statins, by stimu-
lating hemoxygenase expression, inhibit sFlt-1 re-
lease and promote VEGF. Studies to explore a pos-
sible benefit of statins are currently being carried
out (9).
Management of preeclampsia
The only etiologic treatment of preeclampsia
is fetus and placenta delivery. Timing of delivery
must take into account the gestational age, severity
of preeclampsia, as well as maternal and fetal con-
ditions. Current treatments aim at avoiding maternal
complications such as cerebral hemorrhage, pulmo-
nary edema, and eclampsia. Treatment is essentially
based on antihypertensive therapy and magnesium
sulfate (MgSO4).
During the last 6 years, guidelines aiming at
improving outcome of women with preeclampsia
have been published by several scientific societies.
They provide a robust common basis with minor
between-societies differences (4, 6, 7, 27, 32).
At the time of diagnosis, the initial objective is
to assess the severity of the disease. In addition to
blood pressure and proteinuria measurement and re-
cording, clinical signs of severity must be searched
for. Neurological symptoms such as headache,
blurred vision, or altered mental status must be con-
sidered, as well as epigastric pain or RUQ pain,
nausea and vomiting, oliguria, and dyspnea. Labo-
ratory evaluation must assess platelet count, schizo-
cytes count, serum creatinine, liver transaminases,
bilirubin, LDH, haptoglobin, and coagulation tests.
Fetal assessment relies on fetal heart rate, fetal
weight, amniotic fluid volume, biophysical profile,
and umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry.
a.  Management of preeclampsia without severe
features
Recommendations for the management of pre-
eclampsia without severe features before 37 weeks
of gestation are mainly based on expert opinion.
Fluorinated steroids should be administered in pa-
tients before 34 weeks of gestation, in order to favor
fetal maturation. Antihypertensive treatment re-
mains controversial in patients with mild to moder-
ate hypertension (33). Prevention of eclampsia with
MgSO4 is not recommended in preeclamptic pa-
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
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 142 g. lambert
tients with no severe features. Bed rest does not im-
prove outcome. Preeclamptic patients with no se-
vere features should be closely monitored.
Monitoring includes several evaluations of maternal
condition and fetal well-being. Maternal condition
is assessed through inventory of clinical symptoms,
at least twice weekly. Blood pressure should be
measured frequently, and lab tests should be per-
formed weekly, including platelet count and liver
enzyme levels. Fetal well-being should be assessed
daily by the mother herself (screening of fetal move-
ments), fetal heart rate monitoring, at least twice a
week, and ultrasound scanning to evaluate amniotic
fluid volume, fetal growth, and umbilical artery ve-
locimetry.
b.  Management of severe preeclampsia
Women with severe preeclampsia must be ad-
mitted to a maternal high dependency unit, a labor
and delivery ward, or a regular intensive care unit.
Severe preeclampsia is an indication for
prompt delivery in women with gestational age
above 34 weeks. Before 24 weeks, it is recommend-
ed to terminate the pregnancy immediately. In
women with severe preeclampsia between 24 and
34 weeks, steroids are recommended to favor fetal
maturation. In that case, delivery must be delayed
for 48 hours, whenever possible.
In selected women who are cared for in spe-
cialized units, expectant management of preeclamp-
sia can be considered. Expectant management in-
cludes antihypertensive treatment in patients with
severe hypertension, and MgSO4 to prevent eclamp-
tic seizures.
However, it must be kept in mind that, while
expectant management of severe preeclampsia im-
proves neonatal outcome, it is not associated with
any benefit to the future mother.
Delaying delivery in women with severe pre-
eclampsia can be associated with several complica-
tions such as ICU admission (27.6%), HELLP syn-
drome (11%), recurrent severe hypertension (8.5%),
pulmonary edema (2.9%), eclampsia (1.1%), and
sub-capsular hematoma of the liver (0.5%). Regard-
ing fetal and neonatal complications, delaying de-
livery can lead to non-reassuring fetal heart rate
(50%), fetal growth retardation (37%), prenatal
death (7.3%) and/or abruptio placentae (5.1%) (34).
Contra-indications to expectant management
beyond 48 hours include fetal growth retardation
(< 5th percentile), severe oligohydramnios, reverse
end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery as assessed
by Doppler ultrasound, new-onset or increasing re-
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
lambert-.indd 142
et al.
nal dysfunction, liver disease, coagulation disor-
ders, preterm rupture of membranes (PROM), and
preterm labor.
In case of uncontrollable severe hypertension,
eclampsia, pulmonary edema, disseminated intra-
vascular coagulation, abruptio placentae, non-reas-
suring fetal status, or fetal demise, it is recommend-
ed to proceed to delivery as soon as possible after
maternal stabilization.
Expectant management of severe preeclamp-
sia can be considered in pregnancy between 24 and
34 gestation weeks, with controlled hypertension,
moderately and transiently abnormal lab tests and
fetal weight above the 5th percentile.
c.  Antihypertensive treatment in preeclampsia
Antihypertensive therapy of non-severe hyper-
tension : a controversy
The purpose of treating severe hypertension is
to prevent complications such as intracranial hem-
orrhage, hypertensive encephalopathy, and pulmo-
nary edema. There is no worldwide consensus re-
garding the management of non-severe hypertension,
insofar as the evidence of an improvement of mater-
nal and neonatal outcome by treatment is lack-
ing (33). Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia
and New Zealand (SOMANZ) guidelines consider
that antihypertensive treatment can be initiated
when blood pressure ranges from 140/160 mmHg
SBP and/or 90/100 mmHg DBP (27). National In-
stitute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
guidelines recommend treating hypertension when
SBP > 150 mmHg and DBP > 100 mmHg (7), and
the last ACOG task force report on hypertension in
pregnancy recommend treating women with SBP
≥ 160 mm Hg or DBP ≥ 110 mm Hg (4). In 2010, a
Cochrane review concluded that the benefit of treat-
ing mild to moderate hypertension was unclear (33).
Oral labetalol, nifedipine or nicardipine, methyldo-
pa, and clonidine can be used for the treatment of
non-severe hypertension (Table 4). Angiotensin-
converting-enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors and angioten-
sin receptor (AR)-blockers are contraindicated.
Antihypertensive therapy of severe hypertension
Treatment is recommended for SBP
≥ 160 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg with a
­target between 130 and 150 mmHg for SBP, and
­between 80 and 100 mmHg for DBP (7). General
agreement exists on the need to avoid precipitous
decreases in blood pressure, which could affect ute-
ro-placental blood flow. A decrease of 10 to
2/12/14 08:32

Example of oral antihypertensive agents
Drug Dose
Labetalol 200-1200 mg/d in two to three
divided doses
Nifedipine 20-120 mg/d of a slow release
preparation
Nicardipine 60 mg/d in three divided doses
Clonidine 225-450 µg/d in three divided
doses
Methyldopa 0.5-3 g/d in two to three divided
doses
20 mmHg every 10 to 20 min has been suggested by
some authors (35). The most frequently recom-
mended medications for the treatment of severe
­hypertension during pregnancy are hydralazine,
­labetalol, calcium channel blockers and clonidine
(Table 5).
Among antihypertensive medications that are
considered to be safe in this context, no evidence
supports one drug over another. Consequently,
choice should be based on the clinician’s experience
and available resources. However, nitroprusside, di-
azoxide, ketanserin, chlorpromazine should be
avoided. MgSO4 is not considered as an effective
treatment for very high blood pressure (although
this is indicated for prevention and treatment of
­eclampsia) (36).
d.  Management of HELLP syndrome
Corticosteroid administration to favor fetal
maturation reverses HELLP-associated laboratory
abnormalities in subgroup of patients, and might
prolong pregnancy for 3-14 days. However, there is
no evidence for a maternal or perinatal corticoste-
roid-related improved outcome. Expectant manage-
ment of HELLP syndrome beyond 48 hours remains
an experimental approach, and is not recommend-
ed (37). Medical treatment of HELLP syndrome re-
lies on antihypertensive treatment and MgSO4.
Platelet transfusion should be considered if PC falls
below 20.000/µL, in case of bleeding, and to achieve
a PC of 40-50.000/µL in case of caesarean sec-
tion (6). Randomized controlled trials have provid-
ed evidence of improvement in platelet count with
corticosteroids, but no improved overall maternal
outcome. In clinical settings where an improvement
of platelet count is considered useful, corticoste-
roids could be used (38). Worsening of hemolysis,
thrombocytopenia, and liver dysfunction is com-
mon during the first 24-48 postpartum hours. A rise
lambert-.indd 143
preeclampsia 143
Table 4
Action Contra-indications Secondary effects
β-blocker with vascular Asthma Bradycardia, bronchospasm,
α-receptor blocking ability headache, nausea
Calcium channel antagonist Aortic stenosis Headache, flushing, tachycardia
Calcium channel antagonist Aortic stenosis Headache, flushing, tachycardia
α2-agonist Dry mouth, sedation, bradycardia
α2-agonist Dry mouth, sedation, bradycardia
in PC > 100.000/µL usually occurs at day 3 post
nadir, or day 6 postpartum.
e.  Prevention and management of eclampsia
Treatment of eclamptic seizures consists in the
administration of MgSO4 (Table 6), and in the treat-
ment of hypertension (Table 5). The Collaborative
Eclampsia Trial showed a 67% reduction of recur-
rent seizures in eclamptic women treated with
MgSO4, as compared with those treated by phenyt-
oin. There was a 52% reduction in recurrence as
compared to diazepam. For women with eclampsia,
MgSO4 should be continued for at least 24 hours
after the last seizure (39).
Delivery is the only curative treatment. So far,
any other treatment is palliative. Expectant manage-
ment of eclampsia to prolong gestation for fetal
benefit is associated with a substantial increase in
maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. De-
laying delivery for 24-48 hours in order to allow the
administration of corticosteroids prior to 34 gesta-
tion weeks has been reported in one retrospective
study, but the safety of such an approach has not
been proved. Induction of labor is sometimes pos-
sible after maternal stabilization, and in case of an
expected delivery within 24 hours. Cesarean section
can be considered before 32 gestation weeks, or in
case of unfavorable cervix. MgSO4 is the corner-
stone of the prevention and treatment of eclampsia.
Its use is associated with a 50% reduction of ec-
lampsia episodes in severe preeclampsia. It also re-
duces the risk of maternal death. The number need-
ed to treat (NNT) to observe 1 beneficial effect is 50
for severe preeclampsia patients, whereas it rises to
100 for patients with preeclampsia without severe
features (40). In case of severe preeclampsia arising
in the postpartum period, the administration of
MgSO4 is also recommended for at least 24 hours.
The effect of MgSO4 is likely multifactorial, includ-
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
2/12/14 08:32
 144 g. lambert
Antihypertensive agents used for severe hypertension treatment
Drug Dose
Labetalol IV 20 mg/10 min + 5-20 mg/h
Hydralazine IV 5 mg/20 min + 0.5-10 mg/h
Nifedipine PO 10 mg/ 30 min
Nicardipine IV 0.5 mg + 1-5 mg/h
Clonidine IV 15-40 µg/h
Table 6
Rules for the administration of magnesium sulfate
• Loading dose : 4-6 g over 30 minutes
• Infusion : 1-2 g/hour for 24 hours
• If recurrent seizure, 2-4 g over 5 minutes
ing both vascular and neurological mechanisms.
Magnesium is a calcium antagonist and induces va-
sodilation. In addition, MgSO4 may decrease blood
brain barrier (BBB) permeability and limit vasogen-
ic edema (41). In addition, MgSO4 has anticonvul-
sant properties, which may be related to its N-meth-
yl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor
antagonist activity. The adverse effects of MgSO4
consist in flushing, palpitations, nausea, vomiting,
sedation, respiratory depression, and cardiac ar-
rest (42). These side effects follow a dose-response
relationship and occur more frequently in patients
with impaired renal function. Close monitoring of
the patellar reflex, oxygen saturation, respiration
rate, urine output, blood pressure, heart rate and
level of consciousness is recommended to detect
toxicity. Routine serum magnesium measurement is
not necessary. In case of toxicity, calcium gluconate
administration is recommended (1g over 10 min-
utes). MgSO4 must be continued during labor or C-
section, and during the first 24 postpartum hours.
Despite theoretical concerns about potential syner-
gistic cardiac depression, the simultaneous adminis-
tration of MgSO4 with calcium channel blockers is
not contraindicated (43).
f.  Fluid management
Pulmonary edema is a potential complication
of preeclampsia. Decreased colloid osmotic pres-
sure, increased capillary permeability, increased hy-
drostatic pressure, and cardiac diastolic dysfunction
may all contribute to this complication (11, 44, 45).
Preeclampsia is also regarded as a hemodynamic
state of depleted intravascular volume, submitting
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
lambert-.indd 144
et al.
Table 5
Action Contra-indications Secondary effects
β-blocker with vascular Asthma Bradycardia, bronchospasm,
α-receptor blocking ability headache, nausea
Vasodilator Flushing, headache, nausea
Calcium channel antagonist Aortic stenosis Headache, flushing, tachycardia
Calcium channel antagonist Aortic stenosis Headache, flushing, tachycardia
α2-agonist Dry mouth, sedation
the patient to a higher risk of renal failure. The in-
travenous administration of fluids to increase plas-
ma volume or to improve renal perfusion is not rec-
ommended in women with normal renal function. In
case of oliguria, variable invasive monitoring has
been proposed to guide fluid therapy. This invasive
monitoring may be associated with several compli-
cations. Echocardiography and pulmonary ultra-
sound, allowing interstitial fluid imaging (B lines),
may provide useful information to guide fluid ther-
apy in this situation, where the risk of renal failure
must be balanced against the risk of pulmonary
edema.
g.  Timing of delivery
For women with chronic hypertension and no
additional maternal or fetal complications, delivery
before 38 0/7 gestation weeks is not recommended.
For women with mild gestational hypertension
or preeclampsia without severe features, and no
other indication for delivery, expectant manage-
ment with maternal and fetal monitoring is suggest-
ed until the 37 0/7 gestation week. At or beyond 37
0/7 WG, delivery rather than continued observation
is suggested. Delivery should be planned within 24-
48 hours.
In case of severe preeclampsia at or beyond 34
0/7 gestation weeks, and in case of unstable mater-
nal or fetal conditions, irrespective of gestational
age, delivery is recommended soon after maternal
stabilization. In case of severe preeclampsia before
fetal viability (24 gestation weeks), delivery after
maternal stabilization should be performed. In that
case, expectant management should not even be
considered. When gestation is less than 34 0/7, with
stable maternal and fetal conditions, expectant man-
agement can only be undertaken at facilities with
adequate maternal and neonatal intensive care re-
sources. In any case, for women with preeclampsia,
a decision of delivery should not be based on the
amount or change in the amount of proteinuria.
2/12/14 08:32
 preeclampsia 145
HELLP syndrome before fetal viability is an
indication of delivery, shortly after maternal stabili-
zation. When those patients are at or beyond 34 ges-
tation weeks, it is recommended to proceed to deliv-
ery soon after initial maternal stabilization. In
between gestational age of fetal viability and 33 6/7
gestation weeks, it is suggested to delay delivery for
24-48 hours, but only if maternal and fetal condi-
tions remain stable and allow completing a course
of corticosteroids for fetal benefits.
h.  Mode of delivery
For women with preeclampsia, the mode of
delivery should be determined by the fetal gesta-
tional age, fetal presentation, cervical status, and
maternal and fetal condition. Caesarean delivery is
therefore not mandatory. Cervix ripening with in-
duction of labor should be considered when possi-
ble. After 32 gestation weeks, a 60% vaginal birth
rate is achievable (46).
Anesthesia and analgesia for the preeclamptic
parturient
a.  Coagulopathy and regional techniques
The risk of spinal hematoma associated with a
coagulopathy has always been a concern in pre-
eclamptic women. Preeclampsia is associated with
an increased incidence of thrombocytopenia, and
potentially other coagulation abnormalities. On the
other hand, spinal hematoma is less frequent in par-
turient women as compared to the general popula-
tion. The very few cases reported in obstetrics are
associated with HELLP syndrome (47). Several
studies have addressed the incidence of thrombocy-
topenia and coagulopathy in preeclampsia, and
demonstrate a maximal 10% incidence of thrombo-
cytopenia (< 100.000/µL) in preeclamptic patients.
Increase in prothrombin time (PT), partial thrombo-
plastin time (PTT), or decreased fibrinogen have
only been described in severe preeclampsia associ-
ated with a thrombocytopenia below 100.000/µL.
These data lead to the conclusion that, in preeclamp-
sia, the sole monitoring of platelet count, and re-
serving PT, PTT and fibrinogen monitoring for pa-
tients with thrombocytopenia, is a safe policy (48,
49). Guidelines suggest that monitoring platelet
count in preeclamptic patients (as opposed to nor-
mal pregnancy) reduces maternal anesthesia com-
plications (50). A stable platelet count > 75.000/µL
in the absence of other coagulation abnormalities is
lambert-.indd 145
usually considered safe for neuraxial techniques.
Some authors consider a platelet count of 50.000/
µL as acceptable for spinal anesthesia (32).
b.  Neuraxial analgesia for labor
Unless contraindicated, preeclampsia is con-
sidered to be a medical indication for epidural or
combined spinal epidural analgesia (CSE) during
labor. These techniques not only provide optimal
analgesia, but also give better maternal hemo­
dynamic control. In addition, an in situ epidural
catheter during labor may avoid the risks associated
with general anesthesia, should an emergency
­cesarean section become necessary during labor.
c.  Neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery
Unless contraindicated, neuraxial anesthesia is
the technique of choice for cesarean delivery. Neur-
axial anesthesia provides satisfactory hemodynamic
stability, and avoids the risks associated with gen-
eral anesthesia in preeclamptic patients. These risks
include the potential presence of a difficult airway,
and severe hypertension associated with tracheal
­intubation. For many years, the fear of profound
­hypotension caused by the sympathetic blockade in
patients with increased vascular resistance and
­depleted intravascular volume precluded the use of
spinal anesthesia, and favored the use of epidural
anesthesia. However, numerous studies have dem-
onstrated that spinal anesthesia in preeclamptic
women is associated with less hypotension, less
­vasopressor requirement, and minimal changes in
CO (51-53). It has also been demonstrated that re-
gional anesthesia for cesarean section in preeclamp-
tic women is associated with a two times higher
stroke-free survival rate, as compared to general
anesthesia (54). Therefore, spinal anesthesia can be
safely used in this population (55). Combined spi-
nal-epidural anesthesia is also an appropriate tech-
nique for these patients (56). Epidural anesthesia is
the technique of choice when a cesarean ­section is
required during labor under epidural analgesia.
d.  General anesthesia for cesarean section
In case of contraindications to neuraxial
­anesthesia (i.e. pulmonary edema, coagulopathy, al-
tered consciousness following eclamptic seizures),
­general anesthesia may be required for cesarean de-
livery. General anesthesia may lead to several diffi-
culties. Intubation can be complicated by airway
edema, while a severe hypertensive response may
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
2/12/14 08:32
 146 g. lambert
result from laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Opioids (remifentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil) must be
used in combination with antihypertensive drugs
(labetalol, esmolol, MgSO4) in order to blunt the
blood pressure response to this noxious stimula-
tion (27). For women treated with MgSO4, monitor-
ing neuromuscular blockade is necessary, insofar as
MgSO4 potentiates and prolongs the effects of non-
depolarizing muscle relaxants.
e.  Uterotonic agents in preeclampsia.
For patients with preeclampsia, slow adminis-
tration of 3 IU of oxytocin is recommended as the
first line uterotonic measure. It must be followed by
an infusion at the lowest effective rate, in order to
avoid acute vasodilation, tachycardia, increased
cardiac output, and fluid retention (antidiuretic hor-
mone (ADH) effect) (57-59). Carbetocin is associ-
ated with the same side effects as oxytocin (60).
Given its vasoconstrictive effects, ergometrine is
usually considered to be contra-indicated in pre-
eclampsia (61).
Management during the postpartum period
a.  Management of postpartum hypertension
In women with preeclampsia, blood pressure
usually decreases within 48 hours after, but may
rise again after 3-6 postpartum days. Preeclampsia
may also appear up to 4 weeks after delivery. It is
therefore recommended to closely follow blood
pressure after delivery (62). Antihypertensive treat-
ment is suggested if SBP remains above 150 mmHg
and/or DBP persists above 100 mmHg, on at least
two occasions at least 4-6 hours apart. Persistent
SBP of 160 mmHg or DBP of 110 mmHg or higher
should be treated within 1 hour. As opposed to dur-
ing pregnancy, some ACE-inhibitors (captopril and
enalapril) are considered to be safe during breast-
Table 7
Example of treatment of postpartum hypertension
Drug Dose Action
Nifedipine 20-120 mg/d Calcium channel antagonist
Oral labetalol 200-1200 mgL/d in two or β-blocker with vascular
three didvides doses α-receptor blocking abiblty
Propanolol 120-240 mg/d in three β-blocker
divided doses
Captopril 50 mg/d in two divided ACE inhibitor
doses
© Acta Anæsthesiologica Belgica, 2014, 65, n° 4
lambert-.indd 146
et al.
feeding. Conversely, clonidine is best avoided in
the nursing mother. The use of methyldopa is con-
troversial during that period (Table 7). The choice
of the antihypertensive agent should be based on the
clinician’s familiarity with the drug. The use of fu-
rosemide may decrease the need for other antihy-
pertensive therapy, but more data are necessary be-
fore recommending this treatment (63). When blood
pressure is adequately controlled for at least 48 h,
medication can be reduced progressively. Resolu-
tion may take several weeks. During the postpartum
period, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
should be avoided.
b.  Thromboprophylaxis
Preeclampsia is a risk factor for thrombosis,
particularly if additional risk factors are present
(BMI > 30, age > 35, multiparity). Unless contrain-
dicated, postpartum thromboprophylaxis with low
molecular weight heparins should be given, particu-
larly in case of antenatal bed rest for more than four
days, or after caesarean section (6, 27).
c.  Medical follow-up
Women with a history of preeclampsia or
e­ clampsia are at higher risk (approximately two-
fold) of early cardiac, cerebrovascular, peripheral
arterial disease, and cardiovascular mortality (64).
For women with a history of preeclampsia, yearly
assessment of blood pressure, lipids, fasting blood
glucose, and body mass index is suggested (4).
Conclusion
Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of ma-
ternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite a
better understanding of the pathophysiologic mech-
anisms underlying the disease, the only curative
treatment is delivery. Medical treatment does not
Contra-indications Secondary effects
Aortic stenosis Headache, flushing, tachycardia
Asthma Bradycardia, bronchospasm,
headache, nausea
Asthma Bradycardia, bronchospasm, nausea
Pregnancy, renal artery Hyperkaliemia, angioneurotic
stenosis edema, reduced lactation?
2/12/14 08:32
 preeclampsia 147
alter the course of the disease, but is important to
prevent maternal complications such as eclampsia,
cerebral hemorrhage, and pulmonary edema. Ade-
quate knowledge of the guidelines for the manage-
ment of preeclampsia in terms of antihypertensive
treatment, timing of delivery, and anesthetic man-
agement for delivery is of paramount importance to
limit the morbidity and mortality associated with
this pathology. Women with a history of preeclamp-
sia have approximately a twofold increased risk of
long term cardiovascular complications, and there-
fore need a medical follow-up. Future research
should focus on the discovery of an etiologic treat-
ment, the prevention of the disease, and the optimal
hemodynamic management, taking account of not
only the blood pressure, but also cardiac output.
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